SCHOOLCHILDREN pulled out all the stops to raise more than £3,000 for little meningitis victim Richard Hunter.

Richard, now aged two, was struck down with meningitis in June 2010 when he was just 11 months old.

Doctors were forced to amputate both his legs, his right arm and the fingertips of his left hand to save his life.

Since his release from hospital his parents have been fundraising as he will need prosthetic limbs and other specialised equipment as he gets older.

Now nearly 90 Year 8 pupils from Newcastle’s Central High School, in Jesmond, have pulled together for the appeal.

The students heard of Richard’s plight from his aunt who works at the school and they were determined to help him.

They have spent the last three months raising money by holding events including weekly charity collections, raffles and sponsored silences.

But the top money-spinner was the sale of personalised key rings made by the pupils. The girls raised a total of £3,000, which included a large donation by one of the girl’s parents who was particularly moved by her daughter’s compassion for Richard.

Teacher Toria Harrison, head of Year 8 and who led the fundraising, said: “When I first spoke to the girls about Richard, they, without exception, wanted to help him and we began to investigate ways to raise money.”

On visiting Richard and his mum, Ashleigh Wilkinson, Mrs Harrison learnt about some of the appeal schemes already under way.

She said: “I was so impressed by Ashleigh, she had so many wonderful fundraising ideas. We decided to pursue her suggestion of making key rings and set up a mini organisation. Every girl had a role to play.

“The whole year group was divided into production, promotion and sales teams. It was a lot of hard work and the girls gave up their lunch times and holidays to complete their tasks.

“Presenting the cheque to Richard’s mum and family was an emotional experience for everyone and the girls were so excited about meeting Richard, his twin brother Jaden and his family. It was certainly worth all the hard work.”